Kathmandu, the remarkable capital of Nepal, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It boosts everything from ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples to spice markets bound to have you sneezing or buying exotic products by the kilo. It’s a hectic, busy and loud city, and there’s a good chance you will either fall in love with Kathmandu, or you’ll just want to escape to the Garden of Dreams. With so many incredible tourist places in Kathmandu you could never be bored here, and when you travel to Nepal you should ensure you spend at least a few days here.
Pokhara is a piece of heaven in the world. It is one of the most scenic and exciting valley in Nepal. The ‘Jewel of the mid-west’, it offers a mild climate and is famous for the natural beauty of its great lakeside location, magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna and others. This is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting.
Meet and greet assistance upon arrival Kathmandu international airport. Later, transfer to the hotel. After a short break proceed for the half day city tour of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is the historic seat of royalty. It is here that Kings of Nepal were crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum etc. On the right-hand corner, large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Swet Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari-the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.
Swayambhunath, this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa dating back around 2000 years. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is made of brick and clay supporting the lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four-sides of the spire base are the eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometres west of Kathmandu City, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagodas. Swayambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony of Buddhist and Hindu, in Nepal. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Post visit, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Pokhara. Afternoon boat ride in Phewa lake and visit Barahi Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Boat ride in Phewa Lake - It is the largest and most enchanting of the seven lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the Barahi temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Visit Barahi Temple.
Full Day Sightseeing of Pokhara valley including Bindyabasini Temple, Devis Fall, Gupteshwor cave, etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Early Morning Sarangkot (Sunrise View)
DEVI’S FALL - Locally known as the Paatale Chhango, is a lovely waterfall lying about two kilometre South-West of the Pokhara Airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker named David was drowned away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared for forever into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching at the hotel check in and in the evening proceed for the sightseeing of Boudhanath. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Evening sightseeing of Boudhnath Situated 7kms northwest of Kathmandu city, the stupa of Bouddhanath contains the relics of Kashyap Buddha, one of the former Buddha’s. The stupa was much later renovated by the Lichchhavi rulers of the 8th century A.D. Bouddhanath is a very important and holy stupa to Buddhists, particularly to the Tibetan Buddhists. The lotus-born Guru, Guru Padmashambava had revealed its greatness and importance to the Tibetan King Trisondetsen (742-797 A.D.)
Breakfast at the hotel, later in time transfer to the airport to board your onward journey flight.
Conveniently located at the heart of the capital, Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The airport is merely 7 kilometers away from the Hotel which is adjacent to diplomatic consulates and offers every guest a private getaway in a bustling city. At Hotel Shangri-La, the traditional touch in the hotel’s interiors fusion with state of the art facilities never fail to make our guests stay worthwhile. Further complemented by other prominent features of the hotel include 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all public areas, 24-hour security, wheelchair accessible, daily housekeeping service. Whatever your reason for visiting Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.
Hotel Barahi boasts some stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas, Phewa Lake as well as easy access to the thriving lake street of Pokhara. We are situated adjacent to the Phewa Lake, a mere 3 KMS away from Pokhara domestic airport. We offer 80 rooms (70-Deluxe,8-Suite Wing Deluxe,2-Suite), swimming pool, restaurants, meeting rooms and SPA decorated with comfort and elegance in mind.
Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains, this enchanting nation’s natural landscape is dominated by eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including the iconic Mount Everest. In addition to the numerous ambitious climbers who flock here to face the challenge of climbing this majestic peak, Nepal attracts large numbers of eco-tourists eager to experience this intriguing country’s virtually untouched natural wonders including lush subtropical forests home to a range of exotic wildlife. Nepal’s cultural landscape is just as diverse as its natural one, playing host to an array of distinct ethnic groups. Other popular tourist highlights include: the capital city of Kathmandu with its exquisite temples and palaces; the sheer magnificence of Patan’s Golden Temple; Chitwan National Park, for its impressive scenery; and, of course, Bodnath, the nation’s most sacred Buddhist monument.
BANKING AND CURRENCY
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1 , 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counters are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counters. These facilities to change money are quick and convenient. It is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Nepal are one of two types: the "Type D" Indian 5 amp BS-546 or the European CEE 7/16 Europlug. The Indian socket is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
